Main Projects of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation Sustainable Initiatives
03. Collaboration and Solidarity with Various Communities and Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion
As an event where a diverse group of people come together, we work with our partners in and out of Japan, to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable. We strive to create a fair society that embraces diversity and inclusion by deepening mutual understanding.
Sustainability in numbers
Total Number of Participants of Para Athletics Class
To promote diversity and inclusion, the Para athletics class was held on the same day as the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon.
We held wheelchair athletics, athletics for people with intellectual disabilities and frame running trial session, and a total of 242 people from 2022 to 2025 participated.
We have expanded a circle of communities through sports.
We have introduced universal changing rooms and priority cheering areas for people with disabilities and children, as well as Accessible 360° VR Directions guidance system, creating an event for people to participate in with peace of mind.
Specific Initiatives
Addition of Non-binary
As society as a whole works to create an environment that accepts diversity, we have added a non-binary option to the gender selection for general entrants starting with the Tokyo Marathon 2025. Participant lists and records will display "male," "female," or "non-binary."
Universal Changing Rooms & Universal Restrooms
We are providing on-site universal changing rooms and universal restrooms that anyone can use regardless of gender. By incorporating advice from Pride House Tokyo, we are working to improve the environment for the LGBTQ+ participants.
Universal Design in Communication
We hope to facilitate smooth communication beyond language and hearing barriers by introducing "SoundUD," which displays announcements in multilingual text on smartphones. To assist with volunteer activities, we also encourage the use of "UD Talk," a speech recognition app that provides transcriptions and translations.
Duo Team
We have done trial run of "Duo Team," in which wheelchair users with cerebral palsy and other conditions that make it difficult for them to participate on their own (riders) team up with runners (pushers). This creates opportunities for more people to take on the challenge of a marathon.
Inclusive ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREA
Within the ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREA, we will set up priority spots for children and people with disabilities, creating an environment where everyone can join in on the excitement.
360° VR Route Guidance System
On race day, we provide an intuitive route guide using 360° images to help wheelchair users and people with strollers affected by road closures and traffic restrictions.
TOKYO MARATHON CREATIVE CAMP
A creative team primarily composed of student artists are designing venue decorations and cheering items using sustainable materials. Their creative activities are shedding a new light on the significance of sports culture.
Art Workshops (Giant Artwork at Turnaround Points)
People of all ages and abilities can participate in workshops to create artworks to be displayed at three turnaround points. In doing so, we hope to create a strong bond between runners and their supporters.
Running Artist
Artists themselves will run the full 42.195 km and transform the experience itself into art. Through participatory performances with spectators and fellow runners, they will explore and share the depth of sports as a form of expression.